Knitting

Meet the women who start off each Berd Bear just right! Laying the foundation, they are responsible for knitting together the pieces which will be later assembled into your bear.
They are mothers. They are wives. They are sisters.

Some are widows. Some of their husbands have left for Russia in search of employment outside of Armenia. For some, this is their first job in over 20 years, since the economic collapse of the Shamshadin region due to closed borders and barren post-Soviet industry. And for some, this is the first opportunity they have ever had to work. Aside from this project and their craft, they have limited options for income. Due to Berd Bears, many are now the primary breadwinners for their families.

Most importantly, they are all talented, hardworking and visionary women who finally have an outlet to put their world-class craftsmanship to work. They receive joy from each and every Berd Bear that they create and take pride in each and every stitch. Being part of a creative community gives them a sense of empowerment and camaraderie in a town and region that previously no place for one.